[disclaimer] not sure how to label the tag, but this falls under medication!
Topiramate is a well-known medication prescribed for epilepsy but for it has also be used as off-label meds to help with migraine.
I don’t think I can ask any of my HCW this question, bcs I don’t want to be seen difficult. And from my google search, there seems to be lack of satisfying result (?) or explanation (?)
So yes, genuine curiousity. If Topiramate is anti-epileptic then why does it work for migraine ?
In: Other
There are multiple reasons for why this may or could be. There are plenty of medications that are for disease A but treat disease B as well.
As for a specific answer? That’s outside the scope of an ELI5 as likely you’d need a detailed understanding of the chemical makeup of the drug, protein receptors in the body, and very complex chemical interactions that would allow for it to happen.
Topiramate is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. That seems to have an effect on some migraines. I’m not actually sure of the direct mechanism.
Note, it also has a side effect of an appetite suppressant and also a mild antidepressant. Drugs have side effects. The side effects aren’t always negative.
Honestly not sure but it was the first preventative med prescribed for my chronic migraines that actually worked for me. I had to stop taking it after a couple years though cause it eventually gave me unbearable tingling sensations in my feet when I was trying to sleep, so bad it would wake me from sleeping.
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